“Ed, I’m wearing this one now,” the third teenager said.
Anna turned away from the conversation fully knowing their verbal exchange was not suspicious. Continuing to look straight ahead, she could only see blurs of human figures exiting stores on her left side. Gloria honed her hearing onto any noise that caught her attention. When they reached a nearby garbage can, she slowed down a little to the sound of a large object and some loose change being dumped into the garbage. Anna took notice and slowed down as well. The person then dropped an object, and Anna heard a loud sound when a second object fell into the metal garbage can.
“I don’t need this. This one is what I am looking for… No, I just dropped a wallet in the trash,” a male’s voice said. They continued walking past him. Anna didn’t find the sound of the person by the garbage unusual, but Gloria did.
“Yes, I will be there for the meeting… That will be great… I have to go,” the stranger said.
While they were still a short distance away, Gloria heard a couple talking and coming towards them.
“Excuse me,” she said in a low voice.
“Yes,” one of the people replied.
“Is there a mall cop around?” Gloria asked them.
“Just near the corner. I’ll get the officer for you if you’d like,” the other person offered.
“Yes, please hurry,” Gloria replied.
The couple caught the mall cop’s attention, and he came by seconds later.
“Can I help you two?”
“Yes you can,” Gloria replied. “This may sound strange, but I overheard someone complain to another cop on this floor about being pick-pocketed and their wallet being stolen. On this same floor, I heard a man’s voice, and he was shuffling something into a garbage can. His voice is distinct, as if he’s suffering from nasal congestion. I know I cannot see, but I am very sure on this one. I think he was talking on the phone. Can you please catch him before he reaches the escalators.”
“That’s not enough detail. I need a physical description: height, clothes, something of this sort,” the cop said.
“I wish I could tell you what I saw, if only I could see. And I’m also afraid you will miss this person, for he’s probably gotten away already. Though I hope not,” Gloria said.
The mall cop hesitated, turned around, and glanced at an individual who was turning away from the garbage can and heading towards an escalator on their opposite side. He went to check things out, and left Anna and Gloria standing there.
“Staying is the right thing to do, but what if the special agents track us down by the mall cop? You never know,” Anna said.
“What is the officer doing now?” Gloria asked.
“Checking out the wallet as of this moment, and another person is nodding and pointing at the suspect.”
“Then our job is done. Let’s proceed to our next destination.”
They took the elevator nearby to exit from the mall.
Anna parked her car in the parking lot at Total Foods supermarket, and they got out.
“Are we going to walk around the market as we did at the mall?” she asked.
“No. This time, we’re going to taste,” Gloria responded.
“The sense of taste. Okay,” Anna summarized.
The market eating area was not crowded at 2:30 in the afternoon. Gloria stopped at the entrance to the supermarket. “Now, first I want to begin the routine you usually do when you’re in one of these chain stores.”
Anna fetched a container and took a while to pick what she wanted from the food buffet area. Having picked up the carton, she started at the beginning of the front row, gazing at different types of foods.
Anna put chicken in her cardboard carton, then placed similar food in the one Gloria held. She picked a piece of salmon, rice, baked chicken, and salad. They went to the cash register to pay. Afterwards, they stood by the entrance of the eating area while Anna glanced around for a comfortable place to sit. She took Gloria’s hand again, and they sat down at a table in the middle of the rear section.
“Now what do I do?”
“From your plate, take a bite of each one. Smell it, tell me what it smells like, and then eat. After you take a bite, tell me what it tastes like,” Gloria replied.
“All with my eyes closed?” Anna asked.
Gloria nodded.
Anna began to take her first bite. “I taste chicken.”
“Yes, that is what you smell, that’s general. Now taste it again,” Gloria instructed.
Anna started to chuckle a little. “I’m so sorry. It’s chicken.”
Gloria kept a serious face, then she gave a slight smile. “What type?”
“What type?” Anna asked as she thought for a second and realized her sister was testing her. “It’s baked with a little seasoning.”
Keeping silent, Gloria turned her head slightly and heard conversations and music playing inside the supermarket.
“I taste a little parsley seasoning in it,” Anna added.
“Great. The people next to us, some of the food they picked is also in your carton. Try to smell it, and think of specific types of foods. Don’t just think about food in general. Each individual has specific needs when it comes to satisfying their tastebuds. This can help distinguish one person from another. It could be helpful later in finding a suspect,” Gloria claimed.
“I see,” Anna said. “Some like plain chicken, others a little seasoning such as parsley, for example, correct?”
“Exactly,” Gloria responded. “Next is fish. First taste.”
Anna tasted the fish, and Gloria explained the difference between fillet of fish and salmon.
Gloria moved on to the next drill. “Next are drinks…”
Anna’s plastic fork fell on the ground. “I have to go get another utensil.”
“Okay,” Gloria said.
Anna got up and walked to the garbage can. As she continued towards the utensils, she noticed a man wearing a cap sitting down by himself with no food or drink on the table. He had his laptop placed before him as he tapped with his fingers on the table. At first, Anna thought nothing of it, and thought that the stranger might be waiting for someone else. She continued to pick out a plastic spoon and knife. Although reluctant to hear any more, she was burdened by the stranger’s enthusiasm.
“Hey, I’m heading to the city tomorrow. I know we’re on a deadline. I have the list of recent names with information on the USB drive. Only you and I know. I will meet you at 44 West 64th St.. Yes, at the Empire Hotel. I have three bidders... You have extra time… right, then I will be in the city... Meet you there at that time.”
Having heard the stranger’s every word, she remembered what her sister had said about using one’s peripheral vision. Anna badly wanted to turn around to see the person’s face. But instead, she did what was required and went back to their table, trying her best not to attract attention. Nonetheless, she felt uncomfortable and a bit fearful of what she’d just heard.
“Gloria, let’s just leave,” she said in distress.
“Right now?” Gloria seemed a bit surprised. She moved her hand until she felt a tissue box, and took out several tissues to wipe the corner of her mouth.
Two people at a table across from them glanced at the sisters while munching food. Anna lowered her voice and tried to diminish her nervousness, then sat back down.
“It could be nothing. Maybe I was just practicing and thought that this time it’s reality. I don’t know if I was over-processing things.”
“What happened?” Gloria asked with concern.
“Oh, it’s probably nothing. A conversation caught my ear. He was speaking on his cell phone near the utensil area. A 'USB drive' and 'the highest bid' is all I heard. Who buys a USB drive for a high price? What’s so valuable on it? Now I’m thinking, is there some information on me?” Anna shook her head. “This whole week is making me paranoid, I’ve surely had enough practice for today.”
They got up, left the store, and
went to Anna’s car. She opened her car door, pressed a button that unlocked all doors, and Gloria opened her side and got in.
“I’m glad you have started to use all of your senses. I’m also glad you did not succumb to fear,” Gloria said as she fastened her seatbelt.
“It may be nothing. Yet, I will keep the discourse I just heard in the back of my mind,” Anna answered as she turned on the engine.
“Now I’ve got an idea,” Gloria said with enthusiasm.
“What’s next?” Anna said while trying to focus on backing out of the parking space.
“Tomorrow, we will head to the Woodbridge Train Station. It’s small. People are coming back from work, and some are going to work. As long as rush hour hasn’t begun, there will be less people there,” Gloria explained.
Anna stopped at a stop sign. “Thank goodness for this hybrid car. The gas prices are ridiculous.”
CHAPTER 7—UNTIL
Monica Hawley stood by a large window between violet-colored walls in her secluded warehouse in Secaucus, New Jersey. For a few moments, she overlooked the Secaucus Water Tower sign, which was further away from her building. Monica looked at the ceiling for a second and was in deep thoughts. She then glanced at everyone who was working in their cubicles, and started to do some work of her own on her computer. Eight workers were stationed in their cubicles as they worked on the tasks before them. It was early morning, 8 AM. The building was open 24 hours to allow varied work schedules. The graphic designers were in one area of the warehouse, and the person in charge of implementing credit transactions and cold calls for victims’ personal information was at the opposite end.
Monica then got up to check the workers’ progress. “I have a meeting with the head of another group in a few hours,” she said to one worker.
“Should I post the forums tomorrow?” the worker asked.
“Post them two hours after I come back. They need it ASAP,” Monica replied. She then went towards another worker’s workstation. “How does the website look?”
“I think I came very close,” this worker replied. “I looked at Fashion Sidewalk web store and examined every detail on every page, especially their privacy policy. I mimicked the actual site with the website I designed. Take a look at both screens.”
Monica bent down slightly and inspected both computer screens. She put her index finger on the side of her heart-shaped face, analyzed the pictures of accessories, clothes, and different electronic gadgets, then did copywriting to perfect some words on the computer screen. “You’re a pro. You did a good job. It looks exactly like the actual website. The spring collection is coming out, and many fools will be shopping. We will be ready to go in no time. You can continue.”
Monica went to the middle of the room.
“Can I have your attention, everyone?” she said. “I won’t keep you long. This meeting is short. We have two deadlines we must meet. The latest post has to be done on Discretion Group’s forum no later than tomorrow. I was looking at the statistics, and we need to focus more on arts and crafts stores. The Thanksgiving holiday is coming up, and there will be a lot of online shopping. People are buying napkins, special plates, aprons for cooking, and trays that have a Thanksgiving logo printed on them, to name a few. Also, the phone service will be very busy. Yet, we need to focus more on the web instead of cold calls. Many are using their credit and debit cards on web stores, rather than actual checks through the mail. David obtained a list of random emails in the Columbus, Ohio area. We will start sending bogus retail sales with this list. I still need a list, each from Florida, Nevada, Iowa, and California. Once we obtain them, we will immediately send messages to those current emails. That is all I have to say, thank you.”
A worker took his backpack from his chair and went up to her. “Monica.”
She looked at him and then over at his desk, noticing that it was empty. “Yes, Gregory.”
“Monica, it’s time. I am leaving,” he said.
“Why? Not enough pay?”
“No,” Gregory quickly replied, “the pay is great. But I’ve been here long enough and want to branch out on my own.”
“You want to leave days before the holiday?” Monica questioned with surprise. She became more confused on his decision to depart. “Every hacker here gets a bigger paycheck during the holidays. I respect your decision, but I’m just surprised it would be before the holidays. Am I hearing correctly?”
“Yes you are. I am leaving today,” Gregory replied.
“Today!” Monica said. She then stood silently and stared at him.
“Monica, I don’t like that stare,” Gregory chuckled. “You’ve known me for a long time. What? You think something is up?”
Monica quickly shook her head, feeling guilty. “Me? Suspicious of you? You’ve always been loyal to me. I was staring at you, but not directly. I was just thinking, trying to figure out what to say or do to make you stay and continue to work here. You’re a great asset.” Monica shook her head again. “Please don’t let me stop you. I wish you well.”
“And I want you to know the key reason why I am leaving. I have a kid on the way,” Gregory replied.
Monica’s jaws dropped. “You never mentioned this.”
“Do I ever mention anything?” Gregory chuckled again.
Monica thought for a second. “You’ve been very silent and private since I’ve known you. I didn’t like it at first because I was curious, but you earned my respect. I do understand being discreet. Privacy is important to me as well, for I am wrapped up with a closed agenda at this moment,” she said while looking to the side.
“Lately, I have seen you busier than before, so I offered to stay the morning hours yesterday to finish some projects for you. I left them in your cabinet for you to check out. I can wait, even though my plane leaves for Nevada soon.”
“No, there’s no need. Please give my warm regards to both mother and child,” Monica said.
“Will do. Hope to see you around again,” Gregory said and hugged her. “So when are you officially done here? When you’re in your seventies?”
Monica smiled and shook her head. “It won’t be that long. Only when my professional experience reaches its peak. Do not get me wrong, I enjoy my job or else I wouldn’t have hired all of you for help. But I have a goal, one single goal in mind, and reaching it is crucial. After spending years here, I am ready to implement it.”
“I’ll visit you again,” Gregory promised and turned away. He waved to several workers as he walked to the main entrance, then left the warehouse.
Monica went over to another worker, still a bit saddened to see him go, but determined to continue with her tasks. “Lori, can I speak with you for a second when you have a chance?”
“Sure.”
Monica returned to her desk.
“You wanted to see me?” Lori said shortly afterwards.
“You did a good job,” Monica replied. “You slipped under the radar. Good job.”
“Thank you,” Lori said.
“I just wanted to tell you this. I won’t keep you any longer,” Monica said.
“Monica.”
“Yes,” she replied.
“Is the woman someone you know?” Lori asked.
Monica thought for a moment about what to say. “Someone I know, but not really well. It’s complicated. I wish I could say more,” she responded. Then her cell phone began to ring. “I have to take an important call, so I’ll let you get back to work.”
CHAPTER 8—UNHEARD
The next day, Gloria and Anna parked outside the train station in Woodbridge, New Jersey. The scenery was simple: open air, no houses nearby, some tall trees across from the station. There was a small eatery shop on the left side of the main building, and benches were positioned on both sides of the station. Its upper tier was the platform for passengers waiting for a train. Very few people appeared inside the small station this morning. A NJ Transit staff worker was asking customers questions, then directing them, and a janito
r nearby was taking out a second trash bin.
“I thought this would be the most suitable place to practice our sense of touch,” Gloria said as they entered the station. “I’ve been here with a friend. It’s small and convenient. I just want you to walk around the place and touch things. You can either close your eyes or use peripheral vision, but look far and straight ahead.”
“Sure, I understand.” Anna remained skeptical, but tried to conceal it for the time being to avoid hurting her sister’s feelings.
“Were my instructions clear enough?”
“Oh, Gloria, it’s all too clear,” Anna replied.
“Good,” Gloria responded.
Anna shook her head and stared at her sister, then hesitated for a minute.
“Your breathing. It is as if something is wrong, am I incorrect on this?” Gloria asked.
“Forgive me, Gloria. I’m learning a lot, I really am, but the other part of me thinks it is...”
“What?”
“Oh, do I really have to say?”
“Silly? Idiotic?” Gloria suggested as she tried to force the words out of Anna’s mouth.
“I wouldn’t use those exact words. But let’s be realistic, we need to find a better way. Maybe contact another police officer and explain what happened. Maybe they’ll put me someplace else, or maybe I should just keep moving around until they find the suspect.”
“And that’s all there is to it? You’ll be saved, and the murderer will be caught. Anna, it could take days, months, even years. You may be right. I don’t fully disagree with what you’re saying, but what if you’re wrong? What if there isn’t a second chance of escaping when you’re in another secluded hotel the police put you in? What if you just keep hiding and do nothing about it? Take my tools and try them out, that’s all that I am asking. Forget about me being blind; you stand a better chance of staying alive if the perpetrator knows you are with someone and not alone.”
Anna looked down at the floor as she thought deeply about Gloria’s words.
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